It’s 7am and you’ve been up for hours taking care of your little's and you’re already counting down the hours until bedtime. If you feel like you need some quick tips to emotionally re-calibrate your day-here’s a quick reference guide for you (because who are we kidding-you probably don’t have much time to sit down and read this before someone needs you!).
Pump up the Jams: Music can have a huge impact on our emotional state. Turn on some soothing music to calm down or some quick paced high energy music for some extra energy and motivation. Better yet-do some preventative self care work and have a go to play list already in place with your favorite songs.
Shift the Scent: Utilize different scents to help relax or boost your mood. Essential oils can be diffused in the air, applied topically (check with your doctor first), and be worn on essential oil jewelry and accessories. If essential oils aren’t your thing, then try using scented candles and lotions to do the trick.
Hug it out: Physical touch can help release oxytocin or our “love hormone” to lower our heart rate and help us bond. Take a break by offering your kiddo a mid-day hug to spread that feel good hormone. If your kiddo isn't home then you can love on your pet instead!
Get Out: Changing our environment and getting outside can create a significant emotional shift. Allow yourself to take a moment to notice your surroundings, the air you’re breathing, notice the colors around you, feel the warmth or coolness of the air, etc.
Get Moving: Change your mood by changing your body position. Dance to some music, go for a walk, do some light stretching, or try out a new yoga pose with your kids.
Fuel Up: Take note of whether or not you're adequately hydrated or if you may be in need of a snack.
Unplug: This could look like turning off lights, quieting external noise, or even silencing your phone. Sometimes we may feel emotionally fried because of too much screen time or external stimulation. Taking a moment of rest can help us emotionally reset and slow down our internal pace.
Play: It’s too easy to prioritize the daily to do list over making time for play and creativity. Grab whatever you have available to you whether it's your kids play dough, paint set, or use an adult coloring book to release your inner child.
Clean Up: Taking a bath or shower can help to emotionally recharge or try cleaning your surroundings to lift your mood. If it feels too overwhelming to do a whole house deep cleaning-find a small space to clean or declutter.
Catch those Zzz’s: It can be tempting to stay up late or wake up early to get things done, but don’t forget that sleep is pivotal to maintaining your emotional health. You may need to structure your kid's nap time as your downtime too.
Breathe: This is the quickest way to physiologically slow down our heart rate to help us emotionally calm down. Download a free mindfulness app on your phone to help you practice deep breathing and to learn how to relax your body.
Talk it out: It is so important to remember that you’re not alone and our emotions will shift throughout the day. Other momma's have been where you are! Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or seek counseling to help you feel connected so that you can emotionally recharge.